21st Amendment: Bitter American

I really shouldn't be writing this review. I don't feel that I am incapable of sharing my opinion on this or any beer and I do want to tell you about this brew; but this review should be done by someone else. That would be fellow blogger Hofer. Back in August 2008 I wrote up 21st Amendment's IPA. Since that time, I had my share of 21st beers. However, Hof has moved a couple blocks away from the brewery in San Francisco, California. At this point I feel like he has drank for more Amendment brews than me. While Hof has had many of the regulars, I figured I'd snag a seasonal ale: Bitter American.

21st Amendment release this extra pale ale in late January. Once you crack th

e can (remember 21st doesn't bottle - yes they can) this beer has a powerful hop aroma oozing out from the aluminum. Despite the strong smell as soon as I sipped this brew, I immediately tasted nothing but caramel malts. During that first sip, I initially was disappointed as Amendment labels this beer as "bitter". However, hop heads don't worry, after the malt flavors dissipate a nice earth hop aftertaste hits the tongue. And that hop smell from the start never goes away; so while the flavor of this beer is more malty than hoppy, the scent almost tricks your brain into thinking your getting more hops. Looking at the beer 'stats' we see that this is a 4.4% pale with 42 ibus so it's no real surprise it's not as hoppy as other extra pale ales. But this low alcohol content does make this beer really smooth and a nice treat any time of day or night.

Lastly, there is no metallic flavors which is a pleasant surprise as that can happen after canning. But if want to know how the EPA tastes from the tap, again, you're going to have to beg for a review from Hof, as he goes to the brew house far more often than me. Hopefully he starts writing some more. Cheers.

Sudwerk Restaurant and Brewery: Xtra Pale Ale

So I figured I hit you local again.

Davis, CA actually has its own brewery. And it's quite good. It's a German style restaurant and brewery and its rather authentic with the beer choices. Sudwerk (pronouced Sud-works by the locals)

Their "big 5" beers are Doppel Bock, Hefeweizen, Helles, Marzen, and Pilsner.
These beers can be purchased at BevMo and most upper Northern California Safeways.

Sudwerk also has an incredible selection of seasonal beers. Which can be drank fro the tap at the brewery. Some I've seen are Maibock, Dunkle, Dunkleweizen, IPA, Helles, and Xtra Pale Ale.
What is also pretty awesome about the place is they have all the cool german beer glasses including the monster stines that you see at the beergardens. It's really just a fun place overall.

Before I get to the review, I also have to mention the food is excellent of a brew pub. The food, is not German authuentic like the beers, but good quality American pub food. Burgers, Ribs, Onion rings, Buffalo wings, ect.
I highly recommend a visit. Other noteable trips include dollar beer night, live music, and local sports on the bar TVs.

The xtra pale ale is quite delicious. I didn't talk to any brewmaster about it and the seasonal beers don't have descriptions on the menu so I cannot give you any technical advice on its brewing.
However, it is a lovely looking ale with a golden bottom and orange-ish base when settled. It is of course rather bitter and lives up to its "extra" status. (Note: I have no idea why the company dropped the 'e') The bitterness doesn't stick around for the aftertaste thus giving you what you want in the sip but receding quickly leaving you refreshed. The hops taste more "Cascadian" than "Sierra" and thus reminded me of many local Seattle brews. It tastes exactly like a beer from home, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Overall, pretty good. Cheers